The Shanghaied Project

The Shanghaied Project is creating quite a bit of news recently. It was originally conceived as a one-off recording project to raise funds to aid Mi-Sex guitarist Kevin Stanton who requires specialised neck surgery in the U.K. The idea was to gather a bunch of Australia’s music industry greats to re-record a Mi Sex song written by Kevin, “Shanghaied”, which would be released to raise some much needed cash.

As a result of performing and playing guitar, Kevin suffers from severe Cervical Spondylosis, an RSI related spinal issue. Cervical Spondylosis is a degeneration of the joints between the centre of the spinal vertebrae. In Kevin’s case, the RSI has caused the vertebrae to degenerate to the point where they can only be supported by a titanium bracket from C2 through to T2. Kevin’s original surgery was unsuccessful due to the fact that he was treated with chemotherapy directly after surgery, and the bones failed to ‘knit’ properly.

Project founder Andy Townsend was overwhelmed by the positive response from the industry:

Initially it was only to be a gathering of like minded music people to record a cover of Kevin and Murrays Mi Sex song Shanghaied. Between myself and John Prior we assembled a lineup of some of Australia’s best to create a recording with the likes of musician you will never see again, this a truly unique record. The players include:
John Prior (Matt Finish), Peter Rich (Tough Luxury), Adrian Keating (Aus Premiere Violinist), Annalisse Morrow (Numbers, Maybe Dolls), John Swan, Steve Mulry (Black Label), Laurie Marlow (Heaven, Black Label), Shauna Jensen (Too many to list!), Doc Neeson (The Angels), Geoff Cartwright (Swanee), Peter Koppes (The Church).

Inevitably, as these things do, the project grew from a simple recording to now include a benefit concert as well. The concert will be held on Saturday 15th of February at The Bridge Hotel Rozelle with a special appearance by Mi-Sex members Paul Dunningham, Murray Burns and Don Martin. The line up on the night will include:

Matt Finish

Outline

Love Child

Black Label

The Unexpected

Annalise Morrow

The Chosen Ones

Friends featuring: Bob Spencer & Peter Rich + Special Guests

As well as a night of great music a raffle will be held on the night for a signed, handmade guitar donated by Fess Guitars Dee Why and there will also be a lucky door prize.

Most importantly, it will be a night to support a great guitarist/musician/writer from the golden era of Aussie/NZ rock. Come along and experience a night with some of the best talent in the country knowing you’ve made a huge difference to someone’s life.